Republican opposition to Walker budget growing

Lawmakers question voucher expansion, hiring state employees

Published On: Feb 21 2013 09:59:54 AM CST

MADISON, Wis. -

Cracks are already starting to show in Republican support for some major parts of Gov. Scott Walker's budget.

Lawmakers on Thursday are questioning the breadth of the Republican governor's voucher school expansion plan, the requested hiring of more than 700 new state employees and freezing spending on public education.

Republicans can pass whatever they want in the Legislature, given their 60-39 majority in the Assembly and their more narrow 18-15 edge in the Senate. But they can also put a stop to what Walker wants, or make significant changes.

State Sen. Luther Olsen says he's heard from many fellow Republicans who are already pushing for changes, in particular Walker's proposal not to allow public schools to spend more.

Concerns about Walker's plan are being raised by Assembly Republicans as well.

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